Washoe County School District: Lesson 4- Embracing and Respecting Differences

Lesson Objective Our objectives for today’s lesson: To assist students in identifying and understanding the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the classroom, community, and school.

Shared Agreements We can be different We can talk differently We have the right to be ourselves We will respect the opinion of our peers even if we don’t agree We may see things differently than someone else We will honor the differences each of us brings to the lesson We will respect the confidentiality of others – what is said here stays here – what is learned here leaves here We will listen with open ears

Shared Agreements We will use respectful language. We avoid teasing, name calling, hitting, throwing shade (putting others down, etc.) We will treat each other the way we would like to be treated We will Speak Up if we see others being treated unfairly We know that our differences make us interesting and unique * These are examples- generally six to eight agreements will suffice- you may use any of the examples if appropriate, or ask the students to make their own.

Lesson Activity The Identity Wheel

Aspects of our Identity Inside of the Circle Pieces of our identity that “typically” do not change. Set in place. Outside of the Circle Pieces of our identity that “can” change at any given time and place in our lives.

Who are you? Phase 1 Choose what you “want” to identify (3 to 5 characteristics) Share with your partner(s) Place your dots Phase 2 Choose 3 to 5 characteristics of identity that you think you see in your schools culture/climate/ Place your stars Discuss connections and differences Phase 3 Make your own, or classroom poster

Final Closing Reflection Popcorn Closing: (time permitting) Quickly share a word to describe how you felt about today’s lesson.

Check-in/Questionnaire Complete Lesson 4 Questionnaire